Rihanna becomes Nivea spokesmodel

Rihanna has been named as spokesmodel for Nivea.

The cosmetics brand has teamed up it the 'What's My Name' hitmaker to celebrate their 100th anniversary, releasing a photo of the red haired star posing seductively and apparently naked.

The star is fronting the brand's 100 Years Skincare for Life campaign, and will make her official debut for the company in May, coinciding with her 'Loud' world tour kicking off, which is also sponsored by Nivea.

A representative for the brand, Markus Pinger, said: "We are excited to have Rihanna supporting us in our celebration and building a new generation of fans."

Nivea also threw a party for the singer to celebrate her 23rd birthday recently in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.

Rihanna wore a sexy, almost flesh coloured dress, with a purple fringe, while the venue was with ice sculptures, including one with an 'R' on it. There were also cupcakes for guests decorated with flags from Rihanna's native Barbados.

The 'Umbrella' singer has previously said she would only pose naked if it was in a "classy way".

Explaining her reasons for turning down the opportunity to be a Playboy cover star, she said: "If I'm gonna take my clothes off, it has to be in a classy way and my will, not a check. I wouldn't take any money to do that."